Species Olive-tree Warbler
Legendary
Olive-tree Warbler
Olive-tree Warbler
Hippolais olivetorum
Legendary · Acrocephalidae

Olive-tree Warbler

Hippolais olivetorum

The Olive-tree Warbler is a rare migrant to Britain, typically seen during the spring and autumn migration periods, with most sightings occurring in the southern regions of England. It is more commonly associated with its breeding grounds in southeast Europe and the Near East.

Habitat
Scrub, Woodland
When to find it
Rare visitor
Family
Acrocephalidae
Rarity tier
Legendary

Field Identification Guide

Use these features to identify Olive-tree Warbler in the field.

At a glance, the Olive-tree Warbler can be identified by its grey-brown back, white underside, and distinctive white eye-ring, as well as its long, broad tail and rounded wings.

The Olive-tree Warbler is slightly larger than a Blue Tit, but smaller than a Starling.

Male

The male Olive-tree Warbler has a grey-brown upperpart, with a pale grey-brown crown and a white underside, with a faint yellowish tint on the breast and flanks.

Female

The female plumage is similar to that of the male, with no significant seasonal variation.

The Olive-tree Warbler's call is a sharp, metallic "tek" or "tink" sound, while its song is a melodic, warbling phrase.

The Olive-tree Warbler is an active, agile bird that forages for insects and spiders in trees and shrubs, often flying between branches with a swift, darting motion.

The Olive-tree Warbler can be confused with other warbler species, such as the Melodious Warbler, but can be distinguished by its grey-brown back, white eye-ring, and broad tail, as well as its distinctive call and song.

Quick Facts

📏 Size The Olive-tree Warbler is slightly larger than a Blue Tit, but smaller than a Starling.
🌿 Habitat Scrub, Woodland
🕗 Season Rare visitor
🌻 Family Acrocephalidae
📚 Latin name Hippolais olivetorum
⚖ Similar species The Olive-tree Warbler can be confused with other warbler species, such as the Melodious Warbler, but can be distinguished by its grey-brown back, white eye-ring, and broad tail, as well as its distinctive call and song.

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